My trip to Japan was an amazing experience. I learned many new things, and I had a lot of fun! I got to meet kids from other countries around the world, and I even had the opportunity to train with them. I also got to see several beautiful places in the area. Everyone was friendly and offered me and my team guidance. I will never forget this trip and the people I met on it.
During my stay in Japan, I trained several hours each day. In the morning, my team and I got up to eat breakfast together. After breakfast, we went to practice, which usually lasted around 2-3 hours. During the training, we warmed up, stretched, practiced our techniques, and sparred with other kids. We tried practicing with as many different kids as possible. By doing this, we made friends, learned new techniques, and got to improve. Lunch came next, and then another practice after a while. The afternoon practice was different than the morning practice. In the afternoon, we had the chance to learn new techniques from Olympians who dedicated their lives to judo. We learned a new version of Osoto Gari, and several more throws. It was so much fun! The Senseis there showed us what to do, and they helped us a lot. I personally learned several different ways to do sode tsuri komi goshi. I still practice the different versions at my dojo because I know that the more I learn, the more successful in judo I’ll be.
Besides training, we also competed at a few tournaments. The first one was the Sanix tournament. After that tournament, we had a practice tournament, where we fought other teams, but it did not matter if we won or lost. We kept fighting just for experience and fun. The next tournament was in Fukuoka, and it was at the Taisei Junior High School. A few days before the Taisei tournament, we boarded a boat to Nagoya. While we were on the boat, we explored the different areas downstairs, like the mini store, the game booths, and the cafeteria. We even got to go up on deck to see the water up close. It was a fun experience.
Throughout the trip, we also got to go sight-seeing. We went inside a castle and climbed to the top. There, we took pictures of the water and the houses and shops down below. We got to walk down the streets full of different shops and restaurants. It was beautiful. Besides seeing the different places, we also tried different foods, and some of the things we tried were amazing! At the high school, we talked to all the students outside, tried some of their desserts, made mochi (by beating down on mashed rice with a hammer), and I even played a game with a group of girls from the school. However, we had help the whole time. Several translators and students from the high school were there with us throughout the trip. We were all very grateful for all of their assistance.
Overall, this trip was amazing! I got to learn new techniques, meet other kids, and gain experience in judo and real life. Meanwhile, I also got to learn more about the Japanese culture and see beautiful things. I am so glad I had the opportunity to go on this trip. It was a great experience, a fun way to learn to be independent, and a chance to make friends with kids from around the world. I still keep in touch with one girl I met on the first day of practice where the Sanix tournament took place. This trip is definitely something I recommend for all young judokas who are willing to become better at the sport and willing to gain experience. You won’t just practice judo. You will be able to learn about the beautiful Japanese culture and meet some wonderful people!
To: Mr. Hiroshi Munemasa (Sanix president)
Dear Mr. Munemasa,
Thank you for sponsoring the Sanix tournament. It was great, and my team and I really appreciate all your support in making it a success.
Sincerely,
Anastasija Kosic, USA athlete
To: Mr. Isamu Kondo (Global Arena president)
Dear Mr. Kondo,
I would like to thank you for hosting the USA team at the Global Arena. It was comfortable and nice. We are all very grateful for your help.
Sincerely,
Anastasija Kosic, USA athlete
To: Mr. Makoto Adachi (Taisei school principal)
Dear Mr. Adachi,
Thank you for having me and my team at your school. We enjoyed meeting the students and spending time with them. They were all very kind and friendly. The girls that went sight-seeing with us were very helpful and kind too. We were all very grateful to be able to make some friends and learn about the Japanese culture while we were at the school. Once again, thank you for having us at your wonderful school.
Sincerely,
Anastasija Kosic, USA athlete
To: Mr. James Murray (Konan Yudanshakai president)
Dear Mr. Murray,
Thank you for all of your help and support in funding this trip. We are very grateful for everything.
Sincerely,
Anastasija Kosic, USA athlete, USJF / Konan member Ohio
To: Mrs. Julie Koyama (USJF Development Chair)
Dear Mrs. Koyama,
I would like to thank you for all your help and support in making this a successful trip. We are all very grateful for the funding for the trip. Once again, thank you so much!
Sincerely,
Anastasija Kosic, USA athlete, USJF / Konan member Ohio
To: Sensei Saito
Dear Sensei Saito,
I would like to thank you for all of your help and support in making this trip successful and fun. I had a great time in Japan, and I made some friends. I am very thankful for the effort that you put into this trip, making it an amazing opportunity for all of us. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us during the extra workout and for treating us to a delicious lunch afterward.
Sincerely,
Anastasija Kosic, USA athlete, USJF / Konan member Ohio
To: Sensei Shepard
Dear Sensei Shepard,
I am very grateful for all the kindness and support that you showed our team, the Saint Louis team. You helped us prepare for the tournaments and the training. Thank you so much for everything!
Sincerely,
Anastasija Kosic, USA athlete, USJF / Konan member Ohio
To: Sensei Fukuda
Dear Sensei Fukuda,
Thank you for everything that you did for the USA team during the trip. You brought us all together and did a lot for all of us. Once again, thank you!
Sincerely,
Anastasija Kosic, USA athlete, USJF / Konan member Ohio
